8 Legendary Eateries That Define Pune's Culinary DNA

Pune is a city known for its pleasant weather, warm people and delicious food. There are plenty of new restaurants that serve amazing food, local or otherwise, but this time we want to go back in time. Sometimes you need to revisit the past to get a glimpse and taste of why the food from here is legendary. It's true what they say: it's the little things that matter. And in Pune, you can find some pure gems in the form of little stalls and bakeries that serve food from the heart. No wonder they've been around for decades. Let's have a look at some of the most popular food joints that have survived and thrived over all these years.

Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale

Zomato

Where: Deccan Gymkhana, Sadashiv Peth

Lowdown - Having been around for more than 75 years, Chitale Bandhu has been serving Pune folks sweets in all forms. Besides authentic Maharashtrian fare, they also have namkeens on their menu. Their bhakarwadi (spicy fried dough) in particular seems to draw customers from across the city.

Garden Vada Pav Centre

Zomato

Where: 948 And 949, Buttee Street, Camp Cantonment, Camp Area

Lowdown: Yes, this is where you get the best vada pav in town if you go by the glowing reviews. They started out in 1972 and have been going strong ever since. They're also known for their super-delicious chutney.

Marz-O-Rin

Zomato

Where: 6, Bakthiar Plaza, Camp, MG Road

Lowdown: Located in abuilding that's over a 100 years old, they have a reputation for their chutney sandwiches and baked goodies. The old-world atmosphere makes everything taste even better!

Cafe Goodluck

Zomato

Where: 759/75, Goodluck Chowk, Deccan Gymkhana

Lowdown: Established in 1935, this Irani cafe is one of Pune's oldest restaurants and has a certain indefinable charm. They do a particularly brisk business in bun-butter-jam, cold coffee, caramel pudding and other classic preparations.

George Restaurant

Zomato

Where: 2436, East Street, Pune Camp

Lowdown: Legend has it that the biryani served at George's is made with a recipe from the 1940s. George Restaurant opened its doors in 1936 and ever since has charmed its way to the locals' hearts with its haleem, kebabs, mutton salli and so many more dishes.

Dorabjee & Sons

Zomato

Where: Camp area

Lowdown: You can't talk about legendary restaurants and not mention Dorabjee & Sons. What began as an Irani tea stall in 1978 later turned into a cafe serving some of the finest Parsi food. The bheja fry and chicken dhansak are among the many dishes here that have earned a dedicated following.

Dev Uncle Kitchen

Lowdown: Dev Uncle has been around for over 30 years now and is a go-to restaurant for authentic Punjabi food. They also serve Chinese and Jain specialities. From sarson ka saag to lasooni paneer, there's something for everyone.

Kayani Bakery

Zomato

Where: 6, Opposite Victory Theatre, Camp, East Street

Lowdown: Kayani Bakery has had people gifting boxes of their Shrewsbury biscuits for decades now. They started off in 1955, around when Irani cafes began opening their doors all over Pune. Their cookies, cream rolls and even mawa cakes are extremely popular.